by Kelci Sagers

CORRESPONDENT

Sweet, folk melodies mixed with basic harmonies will drift through the air on May 9 and 10 when the Orchestra and Chorus of Sandy City and the Pioneer Valley Chorale, based in the Tooele valley, join forces to perform Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana," a cantata based on 13th century German poetry.

Pioneer Valley Chorale has made a name for itself since its creation in 2006 with performances including Beethoven's "Ninth Symphony" and also "Requiem" in 2007.

"They are really musical pioneers," said Pamela Dale, the chorus master for both Pioneer Valley Chorale and Sandy City Chorus. "It's exciting and fun, but most of all a challenge. Each person has a huge responsibility."

This year's performance is no exception.

"Carmina Burana is one of the most popular pieces of the 21st century," said Joel Rosenberg, who is in his 14th year of conducting the Orchestra and Chorus of Sandy City.

The performance will feature three soloists, two full choirs, and an orchestra.

"The theme of the music is about earthly pleasures," Rosenberg said. "It incorporates everything from springtime to love. It's much more than just an uplifting piece. It takes two pianists and a lot of percussion, which adds greatly to the color of the orchestra. Initially, it was meant for theatre performances and ballets, making the style of the music very rhythmical and dramatic."

The rendition of Carmina Burana will take place at the Good Shepherd Church located in Sandy at 8600 S. 700 East. Each performance will start at 8 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, or $25 for a family of five. For more information visit www.oc-sc.org.